Coach Education 教練培訓課程

Coach Education

 ‘Practice doesn’t make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect’

This well-known quote sums things up ‘perfectly’. Quantity of training is not enough, it needs to be quality training too. That is where good coaching comes in. Project Phoenix is about developing talented players into world-class footballers. This cannot be achieved without knowledgeable, enthusiastic and effective coaches. Therefore Coach Education lies at the heart of Project Phoenix.

I have been privileged in recent weeks to attend some of our Coach Education programmes including the launch of our Level 1 and Level 2 courses and yesterday I was honoured to present Course Completion Certificates at our AFC ‘C’ Licence course. Training the trainers is fundamental to our future success and I made this point when talking to both groups.

Hong Kong football needs a National Football Curriculum which is designed to ensure a systematic, coordinated and progressive approach to player development from the grassroots all the way to elite footballers. We will define a playing style based on modern football best practice and identify the core skills, techniques, tactics, physical conditioning and mental attributes that are required to play that way. We will also detail how and when these requirements will be introduced to players throughout their development. For example at the grassroots level the emphasis will be on learning the core foundation skills and techniques in ‘small-sided games’ that are based on fun and enjoyment rather than on competition and results. As players mature they will be introduced to higher level techniques, tactics, teamwork etc in a more competitive environment. Pathways will be put in place to identify the most talented players who will then receive additional training and high-level competition where the best play against the best.

This more systematic and scientific approach will be reflected in the coach education syllabus so that all coaches understand the style of play and can tailor their coaching sessions to the delivery of this approach. ‘Model’ coaching sessions will be provided to coaches to enable them to run programmes that are relevant to each age group and ability level.

It will take time to implement these changes and a little longer still for the results to come to fruition. It will be worth it in the end because to conclude with another quote….’it’s not what the coach knows, it’s what the players have learnt’.

If anyone aspires to be a football coach to help inspire and train the footballers of tomorrow, then please visit our website to find out how you can get involved in coaching.     
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教練培訓課程

「訓練未必至臻完美，但完善的訓練必可達至完美。」

這句膾炙人口的名言道盡「完美」一詞，訓練量的多寡未必足夠，必須與訓練的質量相輔相承，因此優質的教練培訓基地總是門庭若市。「鳳凰計劃」是一套培訓具潛質球員達至世界級球星的完善計劃，但欠缺一位博學、熱心及有效率的名師指導，就難以一蹴而就，因此教練培訓課程可謂「鳳凰計劃」的命脈所在。

最近數周，本人有幸受邀出席我們舉辦的教練培訓課程，其中包括第一級別和第二級別的首個講座，前日我更有幸在AFC ‘C’ 級課程典禮上代表頒發畢業證書。培訓教練是我們未來成功的基石，這是我曾向在場人士所說的心底話。

香港球壇需要世界足球課程的輔助，即一套有系統、協調性及漸進式的訓練計劃，以幫助青年人逐漸成長為精英足球員，配合現代足球的流行訓練方式定義球隊的足球風格，而且個人技術、戰術、陣形部署、體能狀態以至精神面貌各方面得以全面提升，更可細緻設定球員在受訓期間的時限及項目要求。舉個例，草根球員主要集中訓練基礎技巧，並可以透過「小型足球」的遊戲方式享受箇中樂趣，而毋須追求競技結果。當球員不斷成長，他們要求的是講求高層次的技巧及團隊合作精神，其中有潛質的球員更會追加訓練量，以便角逐更高層次的競賽。

這套富系統化及科學化的方向已充分反映在教練培訓課程的大綱上，所有教練必須明白這些比賽風格以便制定一套最合適的培訓課程，而訓練模式的藍本亦會提供予各教練，以便讓教練為每個年齡組別及技術水平的球員制定一套適合的培訓課程。

改變並非一朝一夕，我們必須持之以恆，這絕對是值得的，正如以下總結：「我們並非著眼於教練認識多少，最重要的是球員可以從中學懂甚麼。」

如果任何人士希望從事足球教練一職，協助訓練本港的明日之星，請瀏覽香港足球總會網頁，查詢課程資料。

Oh, What a Night! 這一夜．永難忘！

Oh, What a Night!

I am delighted to be able to write a blog that celebrates the recent success of our senior men’s team. The away draw in Uzbekistan was a great result in itself, but I think, beating Vietnam at home is even more impressive. I know Uzbekistan is ranked considerably higher than Vietnam but there is always added pressure associated with playing at home (especially in front of a capacity crowd). The success in Uzbekistan only increased the expectation. The players reacted amazingly well, particularly in the second half. They were composed and disciplined throughout and it was, without doubt, the best I have seen them perform. No-one can begrudge them their extra bonus!

I must also pay tribute to the capacity crowd who undoubtedly helped to motivate the players with their incessant and passionate chanting. It was a cauldron of noise and I am sure the Vietnam team was intimidated. When the goal went in, the roar was probably heard in Hanoi! I must have broken the over 50’s high jump record myself!

There is a lot said and written about the ‘M’ word, (momentum) in sport. It is certainly true that good results create confidence and this in turn helps with performance. It is a virtuous circle. The converse is also true, if results are poor, confidence dips and the performance on the pitch suffers. We are on a positive trajectory at the moment and it is something we must build on. In many ways it is a shame that we have to wait until October for our next competitive match. However we will be supporting the team as much as possible and equipping them with the expertise and resources they need to continue their good run. This includes arranging some friendly matches on the FIFA International match days hopefully in June, August, September and October.

A lot of people helped to make last Friday night so memorable, the players, coaches, sponsors, fans, media, our own Competitions and Marketing Departments, Nike etc. Thank you to all of you. It reinforced my belief that football in Hong Kong has real potential. Together, we can make it happen.  

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這一夜．永難忘！

我在此衷心祝賀香港代表隊最近的出色表現，繼上月作客烏茲別客，在十人應戰的不利情況下迫和對手，上周五又在主場以一球擊退比自己排名高三十位的越南，令整個旺角大球場熱血沸騰，紅海飄揚！雖然烏茲別客的世界排名比越南高出甚多，但我認為港隊在主埸所承受的壓力(尤其是在座無虛席的觀眾面前)會高於上仗的作客比賽，因此今仗顯得更難應付。烏茲別客所獲取的寶貴一分，固然難能可貴，但今次港隊在主場球迷的吶喊聲中表現出色，尤其各球員在下半場更嚴格執行教練的戰術部署，最終在主場擊敗對手，實在值得贏取全場掌聲，亦是我首次遇見一支發揮得如此淋漓盡致的香港代表隊，對於他們贏得的額外獎金，絕對是實至名歸。

我亦對於當晚前來捧場的的現場球迷深存感激，沒有你們的搖旗吶喊，全場無間斷鼓動港隊士氣，相信我們會勝之不易，我亦深信憑著現場觀眾震耳欲聾的打氣聲，對客隊越南產生一定的震攝力，尤其港隊在完場前的絕殺入球，現場頓即響起一股響徹雲霄的歡呼聲，這股匯聚香港精神的喜悅之聲，或已傳達至遠在彼方的首都河內。而我本人的興奮一躍，或已打破了自己長久以來所保持的五十歲組別跳高紀錄！

坊間不時提及有關在運動上的「動力」，事實上優異成績能夠建立自信，並將之轉化為提升表現的動力，這是一個因果循環；反之，球隊成績每況愈下，自信心面臨崩潰，球場上的表現自然強差人意，現在，我們正處於正面的環境，更要把握機會建立源源不絕的動力。雖然港隊距離下仗比賽還有六個月的時間，但我們必須繼續支持他們，無論在知識層面以至資源分配方面都必須準備就緒，例如在六月、八月、九月及十月的國際比賽日期間安排一系列的友賽，以助他們時刻投入作戰狀態。

上周五蒞臨現場的觀眾為我們留下一個難忘的晚上，我在此感謝球員、教練、贊助商、球迷、傳媒、Nike，以及足總旗下的競賽部、市場推廣及傳訊部同事的參與和支持，我深信香港足球事業仍有一定的發展潛力，同時亦可於共同努力下成功實踐！

The Ugly Side of the Beautiful Game 華麗足球背後的陰暗面

The Ugly Side of the Beautiful Game

Perhaps the most shocking thing about the revelation (at the Interpol/AFC Conference on match-fixing) that ‘match-manipulation’ is now a world-wide pandemic organized by international crime syndicates, was that not one of the 150 delegates were actually shocked. That’s a terrible indictment and simply illustrates how far the ‘cancer’ has spread.

It sickens me that sport, for it is not just football that is sadly afflicted, has become a target for the cowardly cheating parasites who seek to gain illicit and quick fortunes from something that honest people hold dear. At the heart of sport and fundamental to its essence, is purity of competition. Without it, sport is utterly worthless. Millions of decent people spend millions of dollars of hard-earned money to watch sport in the belief that they are witnessing something true, clean and genuine. The people that seek to undermine that principle are beneath contempt. If I didn’t find them repugnant and morally bankrupt, I would actually pity them.

The Conference concluded that only a concerted, global and coordinated response will combat this plague. Depressingly it is also clear that total eradication will be difficult, particularly in Asia.

There are many well-publicised and high profile cases involving the discovery and subsequent punishment of players, coaches, officials and administrators including some in Hong Kong! This is simply dealing with the symptom and not the cause, because the main perpetrators, the ‘fixers’ are never brought to justice. They evade retribution and disappear only to raise their despicable faces somewhere else. This is because most Governments have no specific laws relating to match-manipulation. Furthermore it is often seen as a victimless crime, and due to the use of global technology the offence is difficult to detect, and usually committed outside the local jurisdiction.  

There is no room for complacency in Hong Kong, in fact quite the opposite. ‘Fixers’ often target ‘new’ Leagues and particularly in places where players, coaches and officials are seen as ‘vulnerable’ due to relatively low wage levels.

FIFA advocates a zero-tolerance approach and so must we. And not just in terms of the rhetoric we use. In my opinion, anyone found guilty of match-manipulation at any level must be severely sanctioned including life-time, world-wide bans from involvement in football. I will be making this recommendation as part of plans for the new Premier League. I will also be seeking the cooperation of the football community (clubs, players, officials etc) together with the Government, the ICAC, the Police and other stakeholders in upholding the integrity of football and stamping out the evil that threatens the game we love.

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華麗足球背後的陰暗面

由國際刑警組織(InterPol)舉辦及亞洲足協(AFC)支持、來自150個代表團出席的國際會議上，逐步揭露了現今球壇醜惡的一面，不少非法分子背後操控的賽事比數如致癌病毒般擴散，掀起一場又一場震撼人心的黑幕，情況令人痛心疾首。

這種如飽受病毒感染的運動，不但影響了足球事業的健康發展，同時亦助長不法分子憑藉欺騙行為來傷透廣大球迷的心靈，以非法手段賺取豐厚利潤。在公平競技原則下，幕後操控的賽事即變得一文不值。全球數以億計的球迷以自己辛苦賺來的血汗錢去觀賞球賽，無非希望球會雙方都以真誠純潔的比賽態度，為廣大球迷奉獻一場高水準比賽；相反，大家觀賞的只是一場黑箱作業的球賽，若球迷沒有流露出反感和抗拒，我會為他們感到悲哀。

在會議上得出的結論是：全球只有一致性地通力合作，才可打擊這場「瘟疫」，但要將這種「惡菌」連根拔起卻近乎無望，尤其發生在亞洲地區中。

過去一些廣受傳媒報道的案例，當中包括不少球星、教練、官方人員或球圈人士牽涉其中，當中更有一些案例於本港發生!部分判刑雖可帶來震懾作用，但真正的幕後黑手卻成功逃避司法制裁，全因大部分國家目前沒有相關的「非法操控比賽」監管法例，從而令不法分子消遙法外；加上在無遠弗屆的網絡技術配合下，警方打擊跨國犯罪更加舉步維艱，讓新興罪犯視它為一種唯利可圖的捷徑。

表面看似香港這個彈丸之地「無利可圖」，但情況卻恰恰相反，幕後黑手或以「新興」聯賽來尋求下手目標，在收入相對較低的情況下，部分球員、教練以至相關職員可能抵受不住誘惑而以身犯險，從事非法活動。國際足聯 (FIFA)倡議的零容忍政策，同樣適用於本港球圈人士的身上。我建議任何人不論牽涉多少的非法利益，但凡從事「非法操控比賽」的行為，一經判罪，除了必須受到法律制裁外，亦建議讓他們終身禁賽、全球禁賽或永久禁止踏入球圈半步。我已將這動議納入新聯賽的計劃中，同時將與本港球壇通力合作(包括球會、球員及相關人員等)，並與政府、廉政公署、警方和其他股東謀求共識，全力將球壇上的壞分子一網打盡！

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ASIAN CONFERENCE ON INTEGRITY IN SPORT
Outcome Statement

Kuala Lumpur, 21 February 2013

‘Match-fixing: The ugly side of the beautiful game’
An international conference for representatives from national Asian Football Associations and law enforcement

A two-day international conference focusing upon enhancing the prevention and investigation of match-fixing in football was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 20 and 21 February 2013.

The conference was organized by INTERPOL within the framework of the INTERPOL-FIFA Training, Education and Prevention Initiative, with the active support of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA.

Some 170 delegates from more than 40 countries and 10 international organizations came together in Kuala Lumpur to discuss the threats posed to football by match-fixing and ways to further improve its prevention and investigation. Delegates included officials from international organizations including FIFA, AFC, FIFPro, SportAccord and INTERPOL, senior representatives from national football associations, players representatives, betting organizations and law enforcement.

During the conference, speakers looked at current and anticipated future trends in match-fixing, the impact development in betting markets are having, and the adverse influence organized crime has on football. In addition, ways of enhancing good governance in the football family, the importance of protecting players, and initiatives in training, education, prevention and investigation were highlighted.

The conference recognized the challenge posed by match-fixing in many countries in Asia. It noted with concern the involvement of organized crime and professional criminals in match-fixing and associated illegal activities, including irregular betting.

The conference also recognized that match-fixing is a global issue having a negative effect upon football, its participants and the general public who watch sport as an entertainment in the belief that it is a fair and honest game. Match-fixing is an ‘ugly side of the beautiful game’.

Delegates welcomed recent developments to tackle match-fixing in football, both internationally and nationally, and resolved to actively support the implementation of the INTERPOL training, education and prevention programme. Representatives from FIFA and AFC also underlined their zero-tolerance stands on match-fixing.

In addition, the importance of having internationally consistent legislation regarding ‘sporting fraud’ was identified. In this regard, delegates supported examining the development of the draft convention
on the manipulation of sports being prepared by the Council of Europe. Delegates also requested consideration of approaches to combat match-fixing at MINEPS V1 to be held in Berlin in May this year.
In order to tackle match-fixing more effectively, delegates supported:

 The need to continue building effective partnerships between all the stakeholders who can contribute to the development of effective procedures at international and national levels (including football associations, law enforcement, gambling regulatory authorities, betting companies, players and referees associations and government departments);

 The importance of establishing and using information-sharing mechanisms to identify what information is required, where it can be obtained, how it can be stored, analysed and disseminated in a timely way to enable the various stakeholders to use it effectively both to prevent and investigate match-fixing;

 The development of coordination procedures, especially at the national level, to ensure that the best decisions can be made about who should take forward activities in the area of prevention and investigation of match-fixing, including the identification of national points of contact within all agencies;

 The need to develop and implement a broad range of prevention activities through education, training and support to the various different participants in football (including players, officials and administrators), especially young players;

 The importance of being proactive in both the prevention and investigation of match-fixing and irregular betting associated with football, in order to minimize its adverse effects on the game, its participants and the public.

In conclusion, delegates thanked those involved in the organization of the event and the Malaysian authorities for hosting this valuable conference.

1 World Sport Ministers Conference, Berlin, 28-30 May 2013, organized by UNESCO in cooperation with German Ministry of Interior
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關於亞洲會議上討論運動的廉正氣節

會議成果

二零一三年二月二十一日．吉隆坡

「操控球賽：華麗足球背後的陰暗面」

亞洲足聯成員及法律代表在國際會議上討論球壇的廉正作風

二零一三年二月二十和二十一日，在吉隆坡舉行的國際會議上，各代表成員在為期兩天的會議中探討有關調查及打擊非法操控球賽的事宜。

會議由國際刑警組織(INTERPOL)主持，聯同INTERPOL-FIFA訓練、教育及防止團體，以及馬來西亞防止貪污組織(MACC)、亞洲足協(AFC)和國際足聯(FIFA)的支持下掀起序幕。

來自全球四十個國家、約一百七十個代表團及十個國際組織，在吉隆坡的會議上聚首一堂，共同研究和探討有關非法操控球賽帶來的威脅，以及尋求方案如何進一步調查和遏止罪案的蔓延。代表團包括FIFA、AFC、FIFPro、SportAccord和INTERPOL等國際組織的代表、某些國家足球聯會的高層代表、球員代表、賭博公司和法律顧問等。

會議期間，與會代表揭示現時及未來非法操控球賽的趨勢、在足球賭博市場的發展與及有組織罪行所帶來的影響。除此之外，加強整合球圈的管治、保護球員的重要性及各項有關訓練、教育、防止及調查的相關措置亦是討論之列。

在會議上提及，亞洲大部分國家均面臨非法操控球賽的嚴峻挑戰，指出有組織罪行和專業罪犯活躍於從事各項操控球賽和相關非法活動，例如外團投注等。

與會者亦意識非法操控球賽是一個國際討論焦點所在，為足球運動本身帶來不同種程度的負面影響，包括業界人士，以及掏錢購票入場觀看球賽的廣大球迷，他們希望欣賞一場專業公平的高水準球賽，因此在幕後黑手操控的比賽下，華麗足球亦變得醜陋無比。

各國代表團歡迎最近一系列打擊非法操控球賽的建議，並表態支持INTERPOL訓練、教育及防止項目，而來自FIFA和AFC代表亦堅決落實零容忍政策，進一步打擊非法操控球賽活動。

除此之外，有關立法監管「體育騙案」的重要性亦在會上提及，代表團表態支持由歐洲委員會(Council of Europe)草擬立例打擊非法操控球賽，同時與會代表亦考慮要求將這個議題在今年五月柏林舉行的MINEPS V1上進一步討論。

有關進一步有效打擊非法操控球賽，與會代表支持：

．迫切地為球壇上有影響力的股東們，持續建立一套有效的國際合作關係(包括足球聯會、法律顧問、受法例監管的賭博機構、博彩公司、球員、裁判團體及政府部門)；

．研究建立一套完善的資訊分享機制的重要性，包括那些資訊可以公開、從哪裡擷取，以及怎樣儲存、分析和刪減某些有特定時效的資訊，方便各股東們有效運用它們去調查和打擊非法操控球賽；

．謀求發展合作機制，尤其適用於國際層面上，以確保各地區之間在調查和打擊非法操控球賽上尋求共識，作出明智決定，包括釐清各國間的國際觀點；

．迫切地發展和落實一系列有關訓練、教育、防止及調查的相關措置，同時全力支持足球業界各層面人士(包括球員、球會和管理者)，尤其專注於年青球員上；

．為消弭非法操控球賽為業界和公眾帶來的負面影響，各國必須嚴厲打擊從事非法操控球賽和相關非法賭博活動的人士。

總括而言，與會代表十分感激今次主辦方和馬來西亞當局舉行是次會議，獲益匪淺。

1 由UNESCO主辦、德國內政部(German Ministry f Interior)協辦的World Sport Ministers Conference將於2013年5月28至30日在柏林舉行。

港隊與球會之間的平衡論The Perennial Club V Country debate

港隊與球會之間的平衡論

當我踏足香港，不少媒體爭相報道有關香港代表隊與球會之間的言論。對於個人而言，我絕不感覺驚訝，畢竟這是一個涉及全球性的議題，在每一個球季中，每一個國家同樣發生和面對。

從客觀的角度而言，兩者之間的問題是顯而易見的。誠然，各大球會都會為旗下球員回國效力而感到憂慮，尤其在一些友誼賽或國際級別大賽進行時，球員或因需要參加額外操練或頻密比賽而出現疲憊，甚至受傷，這是人之常情，皆因球會需要為所屬球員履行合約精神時，他們同樣希望球員在本土聯賽或各項盃賽中，以最佳狀態為球會披掛上陣，爭取佳績！同樣地，香港代表隊亦盼望透過高水準的比賽中，將球員的精湛球技、球隊戰術以至團隊默契發揮得淋漓盡致，務求在國際賽事中寫下輝煌，提升香港代表隊的國際排名，從而建立領隊及教練團隊間的個人聲望，這是毋庸置疑的事！因此，球會與代表隊之間看似各走極端，勢不兩立，然而兩者其實可以共存，當兩者之間互有默契，他們所得的甚或比預期的更多。

基於上述情況，「鳳凰計劃」由此衍生而來，在不斷提升港隊表現時，亦直接增強了甲組聯賽的競爭及可觀性；因此，在避免不影響及導致球員受傷的情況下，足總正嘗試讓金判坤教練及其團隊走入球隊為旗下球員加操，當然如何在不影響球隊的正常運作下取得平衡，這不是一件容易的事。猶幸獲得球隊的諒解及配合，這種模式正朝著理想方向前進，金教練十分感謝球隊的支持。當然，在溝通過程中亦難免出現一些意見分歧，例如備戰國際賽作客賽事時，適逢與本地聯賽及盃賽撞期，這便意味著我們不能生存於完美國度中。

在其他國家中，他們可能會將本土賽事延期或重新安排比賽於稍後日程上，但唯獨香港不能東施效顰，由於球會本身沒有自己的主場，而球場本身亦時常出現「額滿」情況，加上很少球場具備完善的泛光燈設施，因此安排賽事在周中進行是不切實際的。雖然足總旗下的競賽部已十分專業，並嘗試鋪天蓋地去迎合市民需要，但有時於所有人眼中亦不能做到盡善盡美。

在各項因素的衝擊下，這個持久的難題將與香港足球業界人士不可分割，包括球員、教練、球會、球迷、傳媒等等，因此大家必須通力合作，共同尋求出路；縱使在困難重重的環境下，大家必須放下成見，做到互讓互諒，同心協力為香港足球的未來而 努力。

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The Perennial Club V Country debate

There has been quite a lot of press coverage since I came to Hong Kong about the Club V Country issue. This doesn’t surprise me because I am sure it is a universal issue, occurring in virtually every country during every football season.

From an objective perspective it is easy to see and understand the two sides of the story. Of course Clubs are worried about releasing players for extra training or for additional matches whether they be friendlies or competitive. This is only natural; at the end of the day it is the Club that pays the wages and the Club that wants to have all of its players fit and available for its own training and for important league and cup competitions. We can all understand that. Equally those involved in the National Teams want maximum access to players to hone their skills, work on team tactics, establish a rapport and prepare them for important and high profile matches. After all, National Team Managers and Coaches are judged on their results to the extent that their jobs and reputations are on the line. And so the two positions can be polarized and seemingly mutually exclusive. But like any partnership or marriage there is a symbiotic relationship. When the two parties are getting on well, both can achieve more than they could on their own.

Project Phoenix is attempting to do just that; improving the performance of the representative teams whilst simultaneously strengthening the 1^st Division. So we are trying to give Coach KIM and his team additional access to Club players for training whilst also making sure that players do not get fatigued and run the risk of injury. It is a difficult balance to achieve. In actual fact and contrary to recent media reports, this is working quite well and the Clubs are doing what they can to be understanding, and to make players available and KIM and his team appreciate the needs of the Clubs. Of course there are occasions when it is less easy to reconcile the differences, like for example when preparation for an away international match clashes with a Club fixture list involving both league and cup competitions. We don’t live in a perfect world.

In other countries it is often possible to postpone Club matches and rearrange them for a later date but in Hong Kong this is very difficult. Clubs don’t own their own grounds and pitches are always heavily booked by other people. Furthermore many grounds are not equipped with floodlights and so midweek games are out of the question. We have a fantastic and totally professional Competitions Department at the HKFA. They move heaven and earth to accommodate people’s needs but sometimes it is literally impossible to keep all of the people happy all of the time. 

And so these factors exacerbate what is a perennial problem which is why all people involved in football in Hong Kong; players, coaches, owners, fans, media etc must be mutually understanding and continue to look for ways to work together. It seems to me that in Hong Kong we have a tendency to beat each other up about an issue (I mean metaphorically rather than literally) when actually we should be congratulating ourselves that things work as well as they do, often in difficult circumstances.  

我們需要整合策略 讓體育於香港更為普及 (We need a joined-up strategy to build on the popularity of Hong Kong)

我們需要整合策略  讓體育發展於香港更為普及

巴克萊亞洲錦標賽將再次由英格蘭超級聯賽帶來香港，並於7月上演。這項每兩年一次於亞洲不同城市輪流舉辦的盛事，對上一屆亦正是於香港舉行。同樣地，來自中國、泰國及韓國的球隊亦會雲集香江，參與農曆新年賽事。其實有不少足球中介公司經常會聯絡我，並希望可撮合一些來自世界各地的球會及國家隊來港比賽，但由於賽期緊密及設施不足等原因而未能成事。再者，香港才剛於東亞盃外圍賽中主場與澳洲、中華台北、朝鮮及關島對戰。而我們亦經常收到申辦亞洲足協不同賽事的邀請。雖然香港的世界排名較低，但仍能吸引各方興趣。

「人們希望來港」。當然，這是在不同動機的推動下，當中可能因為地理位置、商業原因、語言、文化、氣候、安全理由、作為進入可觀市場的「踏腳石」、甚至是一些特別原因如7人欖球賽及巴克萊亞洲錦標賽!但不論他們的原因為何，不少人就是想來。他們來港不但能大大帶動消費，更能讓社會受惠。運動盛事絕對可以成為一種催化劑以剌激經濟活動，而這亦應屬於整體策略的一部分。

對遊客而言，香港有一流的基礎設施、交通運輸、通信及住宿。不用多說，體育設施亦應反映此等質素。香港大球場肯定是一個標誌性的建設，於滿座時更可營做出一個很好的氣氛，然而，長年累月的損耗及缺乏足夠設施已不足以滿足一流運動員及演藝人的要求。

取而代之的將是一個更新更大、興建於啟德的體育場館，足總100％支持這個期待已久的計劃。若香港要繼續吸引頂級的體育賽事，並不讓其他地區的對手過頭，如新加坡（他們新的體育場館正在興建中），就必需加快發展步伐。另外，香港亦必須將更多資源投放於其他體育基建設施，使香港有能力舉辦更大型的體育盛事。

觀眾的熱血激情絕對是各方體育賽事為何鍾情於香港舉辦的原因之一。香港本地的球迷亦值得使用更佳的設施，因為他們正是讓這個地方變得吸引的原因。我呼籲大家繼續支持體育賽事，而我期待著看到更多球迷入場支持香港的甲組聯賽、盃賽、賀歲盃、3月港隊主場對戰越南，當然不少得7月舉行的巴克萊亞洲錦標賽。

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We need a joined-up strategy to build on the popularity of Hong Kong

It’s official, the Barclays English Premier League will be bringing the Barclays Asia Trophy 2013 to Hong Kong in July. This event happens every two years and usually rotates around various cities in Asia and yet it was held here in 2011. Similarly, teams from mainland China, Thailand and Korea will be here for the Chinese New Year Tournament. I am regularly contacted by football agents looking to bring Club and National Teams from literally all over the world to play in Hong Kong. Mostly it is impossible to accommodate these requests because of fixture congestion, availability of facilities etc. Furthermore, Hong Kong recently played host to teams from Australia, Chinese Taipei, North Korea and Guam in the EAFF Tournament. We are often asked to apply to host various AFC competitions. All of this interest, despite our lowly FIFA Ranking.

People want to come to Hong Kong. Of course, their motivations vary widely; some because of the geography, some the commerce, some the language, some the culture, some the climate, some the security, some the ‘gateway’ to other lucrative markets and some for specific reasons such as the Rugby 7s or the BAT! It doesn’t matter why they want to come – the point is that they just do. When people come to Hong Kong they spend money, it boosts the economy and creates multipliers that trickle down into the community. Sport can be the catalyst for this upsurge in economic activity and should be part of a cohesive strategy.

Hong Kong has great infrastructure for visitors, the transportation, communications and accommodation are all first class. It goes without saying therefore that the sports infrastructure needs to reflect that quality. The Hong Kong Stadium is certainly iconic and creates a great atmosphere when full, but it is ageing and lacks the amenities that top class sports people and entertainers require.

The plans to replace it with a new larger stadium at Kai Tak are long overdue and the HKFA backs the proposals 100%. If Hong Kong is going to continue to attract top class sporting events and not lose ground to rival destinations such as Singapore (their new Sports Hub is under construction), this development needs to gather pace. Further investment is also needed in the other sports facilities in Hong Kong so that larger events can be catered for as well.

One of the reasons why sports events like to come to Hong Kong is the enthusiasm and passion of the spectators. The local fans of Hong Kong sport deserve better facilities too. It is them that make the place attractive in the first place. I urge people to continue to support sports events and I look forward to seeing as many people as possible at our 1^st Division matches, Cup competitions, the Chinese New Year Tournament, our home match against Vietnam in March and of course the BAT in July.



2013 – 香港未來足球發展的預示年 (2013 Heralds a Brighter Future for Football in Hong Kong)

2013 – 香港未來足球發展的預示年

2012年，香港足球代表隊不但於客場戰和馬來西亞，亦於東亞盃外圍賽第二圈有不俗演出，而在剛過去的省港盃更勇奪冠軍殊榮。今年，香港足球代表隊會以這些比賽的經驗作為成功的基礎，並集中應付2015亞洲盃外圍賽的數場賽事，包括對戰烏茲別克、越南及阿聯酋。而女子足球代表隊及五人足球隊(男子及女子)亦會力求進步，而後者更會於6月參加亞洲室內足球比賽。

另外，今年將會重新修定香港基層足球發展的制度及架構，期望可將草根足球的水準提升至更高水平。我們不但會讓更多人可以有機會接觸足球運動，更重要是令他們有更高質素之培訓，並從中發掘及培育他們。為達到此目的，一個全新的教練課程將會制定並推出。

對於計劃在將軍澳興建的香港足球訓練中心，2013年亦是重要的一年。足總將會繼續與政府及香港賽馬會緊密合作，為訓練中心於商業及球場的設施上作出全面的策劃。相信今年完成規劃後可於2014年初開始動工。

今年對全新規劃的香港超級足球聯賽亦是同等重要。2013/14年球季將是一個過渡球季，讓12支球隊可重新裝備及計劃以配合新聯賽的發展。於2012年初成立之合作團隊將會繼續定期會面，為全新聯賽訂立新的標準。

而球證發展亦是今年重要的一環。我們希望可以邀請一些有經驗的外國球證親臨執教球證訓練班，並為現有的球證作出不同指導。

當然，足總現有的工作並不會因為新計劃而暫停。我們將會繼續安排不同組別的比賽、盃賽、邀請賽及青少年足球課程。作為體育機構，我們一方面會積極改善內部架構、財政狀況及行政安排，另一方面則會全力增進對外的市場策劃、關係及名聲。

我感到香港足球總會越來越有活力，並擁有堅決改革的決心。我對今年所計劃達成的目標十分樂觀。聖誕過後，我對每位員工都各歸其位，如箭在弦般努力工作感到非常鼓舞。在更多新員工加入下，相信這種積極態度會得到進一步提升。我們正一同規劃新的方案及一些大型項目，這一切都使2013年變得興奮。

員工及人事發展

近數月中，我們分別任命了一些基層以及管理層的員工，管理層職員包括人力資源及行政經理(張嘉雯小姐)、資訊科技經理(陳洛桓先生)及教練培訓經理(陳曉明先生)。這些管理人員的任命，絕對是推動我們向前發展的關鍵。

 高級管理層方面，周珮華小姐獲委任為市場推廣及傳訊總監並已於1月7日上任，而鄭仲恒先生獲委任為機構管治總監一職，他將於2月20日上任。

技術發展方面，我們亦會於短期內任命球證經理、草根足球經理、女子足球經理及五人足球經理。這論證足總的決心去改善由基層至高水平的足球發展，並建立合適的渠道去培訓富天賦的男女運動員。

總結

2013年，不論在球場內及球場外，皆是「鳳凰計劃」重新起飛並取得進展的重要一年。除了足總內部的管治會得到提升外，一些主要項目亦必定會於不同層面提升香港足球的水平。

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2013 Heralds a Brighter Future for Football in Hong Kong

The HKFA Management Team is confident that 2013 will be a watershed year both on and off the pitch.

The representative senior team intends to build on the success it achieved at the end of 2012 with a good away draw in Malaysia, a solid performance in the EAFF Preliminary Round 2 and winning the Guangdong Cup. This year will be focused on the Asian Cup 2015 with qualification matches against Uzbekistan, Vietnam and the UAE. The Womens football team and our Futsal teams (men and women) will also be hungry for success, the latter competing in the Asian Indoor Games in June.

This year we will be revising our Football Development systems and structures from the grass roots to the high performance level. We intend to get more people playing football, more frequently and exposing them to higher quality training. Pathways will be created to allow talent to be identified, nurtured and brought to fruition. To facilitate this, a new coach education programme will be developed and promoted.

2013 will be a critical year for the Hong Kong Football Training Centre at Tseung Kwan O. The HKFA will work with the Government and the Hong Kong Jockey Club to develop the business plan and site master plan for this much needed facility. It is hoped that the work done this year will enable a start on construction in early 2014.

Similarly this year is also important for the introduction of a new Hong Kong Premier League. The 2013/14 season will be a transitional year with 12 teams competing in an expanded format. The working party formed at the end of 2012 will meet regularly to plan the format of the new league and the entry criteria.

There will also be a big focus this year on referee development, linked to the new league. We hope to bring some high profile foreign referees to Hong Kong to hold master classes and mentor existing referees.

Of course, the day to day work of the HKFA does not stop whilst these new initiatives are being managed. We continue to organize the existing Divisions, Cup competitions, tournaments and youth programmes. As an organization we still have work to do on our internal systems, finances and administration as well as improving our external marketing, relationships and reputation.

I detect a new more vibrant and determined atmosphere here at the HKFA. I am really optimistic about what we can achieve this year. Our existing staff have come back from their Christmas break with a spring in their step which is very encouraging. This positive attitude has been given a further boost by the introduction of some new human resources. Together we are planning for some major events, new programmes and some big projects, all of which makes 2013 an exciting prospect.

Staff Developments

In recent months we have appointed a number of junior staff as well as some more senior people including an HR Manager (Ms. Cheung Ka Man, Cherish), an IT Manager (Mr. Chan Lok Wun, Lorvan) and a Coach Education Manager (Mr. Chan Hiu Ming). These managerial positions are crucial to drive our business forward.

The Senior Management Team of the HKFA has been strengthened with the appointment of a Head of Marketing and Communications, Pearl Chow who started at the HKFA on 7^th January and a Head of Corporate Governance, Aaron Cheng who joins us on 20^th February.

Regarding the Technical side, we will be interviewing shortly for a Referees Manager, Youth and Grassroots Manager, Women’s Football Manager and Futsal Manager. This demonstrates that the HKFA is serious about delivering improved football development from the grassroots to the high performance level and to creating pathways for talented footballers, both male and female.

Summary

Project Phoenix is gathering momentum and 2013 is the year where real progress will be made both on the pitch and off it. The internal governance and management of the HKFA will be strengthened and some major projects will help to raise the standard of football at all levels.

CEO 的話 Blog – January 2013

在新一年以堅定決心面對挑戰

New Year – Renewed Determination 

 "一年之計在於春" ~  又到了回顧過去，展望將來的時候。 

自從去年九月中我上任為足總第二任行政總裁，在這三個多月中,足總在各方面均有令人滿意的進展。其中為各界所知的包括署理總教練金判坤順利接替摩力克一事，而其餘大部份較少對外公開的工作包括於一些改變後穩定內部的工作。另外，我亦花了一些時間認識和了解足總的運作、文化、人事、强項和不足之處，我深信假以時日，我們定會做出好成績。與此同時，我亦明白各界正期待足總在鳳凰計劃下能作出顯著的進步和改革。在此我向廣大支持足球運動的香港市民再次保証，足總在過去數月已奠定基礎，包括於不同層面增加人手，以迎接鳳凰計劃帶來的轉變。

新的一年正好讓我們抓緊時機去證明足總有改革本港足球的決心。在我的團隊及各界的協助下，我將集中推行以下幾項主要項目，完成後香港足球界必有一番新景象。

·        為香港足球代表隊增加資源和系統以便提升代表隊的質素

·        促成及强化基層足球運動發展,

·        改革現有的足球教練培訓課程,致力栽培新一代教練人才

·        將現有甲組足球聯賽提升為香港超級足球聯賽

·        策劃及興建香港足球培訓中心

·        提升現有裁判員的水準和質素

·        整合及推廣香港女子足球運動

以上每一項皆對改革香港足球的十分重要，而且當中環環相扣,這需要一個有系統和互相協調的策略去推行。與此同時,足總亦會繼續於各方面作出改善–包括繼續增聘人手，增加收入繼而改善財務狀况，提升足總形象和信譽，以及加强與合作伙伴及球迷之間的溝通。

經過過去數月的適應，我已裝備好自己，相信憑我的知識及經驗可為足總對內及對外的事務進行改革。

新一年，我比從前更加專注，更加充滿熱誠和投入我的工作。我確信聯同足總董事局，我和我的團隊必定能將鳳凰計劃實踐和推行。我深信我們一定能夠做到。

行政總裁

薛基輔
二零一三年一月一日 
 

I am writing this on January the 1^{st, -}- traditionally the time to reflect on the old and focus on the new. It’s three and a half months since I started as the second CEO of the HKFA. The time between September and Christmas passed very quickly and I am pleased with the progress made. Some of the work done was in the public spotlight such as replacing Ernie Merrick with Coach KIM, whereas some has been much less publically visible. A large proportion of the work done between September and Christmas was about ‘steadying the ship’ after a period of instability and change. Getting to know an organization, its strengths and weaknesses, the culture and complex relationships takes time. I believe that it is time well spent and a commitment that will ultimately yield positive results. And yet I know that people want to see tangible progress and evidence that the HKFA is embracing Project Phoenix.

I would like to reassure the people of Hong Kong who care about football that over the past few months we have laid many of the foundations that will bring about change including strengthening our human resources at all levels.

As we start 2013 now is the time to really pick up the pace of change and demonstrate that the HKFA is serious about transforming football. With the help of my colleagues and other stakeholders I am determined to focus on some major initiatives, things that will really make a difference. These include:

·      Putting in place systems and resources to raise the standard of the representative teams

·      Rationalizing and enhancing football development at the grass roots and creating pathways to excellence

·      Revising our coach education programmes and training a new generation of coaches

·      Moving towards a new ‘Premier’ League for Hong Kong

·      Planning and delivering a new Hong Kong Football Training Centre

·      Improving the standard of refereeing

·      Integrating and investing in girls and women’s football

All of the above are important and interrelated facets of the sport and need a systematic and cohesive implementation strategy. At the same time there is also a need to further improve the HKFA as an organization - to continue to strengthen our human resources, to improve the cash flow by generating additional commercial revenues, to enhance our public image and reputation and to communicate more effectively with our partners and the fans.

I firmly believe that the past few months have equipped me with the knowledge and skills to lead the internal and external transformation process. Together with the HKFA Board and my team, we can do it, I know we can. I return from my holiday even more focused, enthusiastic and committed to ‘develop’ the organization and to ‘deliver’ Project Phoenix.

Mark Sutcliffe, CEO

1^st Jan 2013